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Drugs are Irish racing’s number one problem

Jim Bolger, one of the most prominent trainers in the country, has said that drugs are Irish racing’s number one problem. In an interview, the County Kilkenny-based racehorse trainer and breeder further maintained that he doesn’t believe a level playing field exists in the sport. Bolger also said he was concerned with the “lack of […]

No criminal record for personal use cannabis

People found to be in possession of cannabis for personal use can avoid a criminal conviction if they admit the offence and accept a caution, Garda has announced. The offence is one of four to have been approved and added to the Adult Cautioning Scheme (ACS) by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The scheme allows […]

‘Dangerous’ ‘dial-a-drink’ delivery services on the rise

Campaigners are warning that Ireland is moving into ‘dangerous territory’, in which underage drinkers have unprecedented access to alcohol. Since the pandemic began, alcohol delivery and 24-hour ‘dial-a-drink’ services have increased, allowing underage drinkers to easily purchase alcohol without the need to prove their age and legal right to drink. Even before the pandemic – […]

Ireland’s lockdown pop up pubs and car boot alcohol sales

Officials across Ireland are warning about the emergence of an illicit alcohol industry, due to lockdown pub closures currently in force across the country.   Publicans’ representatives on both sides of the Irish border have blamed tight COVID-19 restrictions for so called ‘Shebeens’ – unlicensed pubs – serving alcohol to locals unchecked and under the […]

What does a non-negative drug result mean?

Is it the same as a positive result? As the name implies, a non-negative result on a drug screening device means that the test wasn’t negative; an amount of substance was detected. It could be a trace amount and within the margin of error, but as it’s not negative it will need confirmation analysis back […]

Maternity and paternity testing after IVF

DNA testing can give you peace of mind over the biological identity of your child. This is becoming increasingly important for two reasons: The number of babies born as a result of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is increasing. The number of media stories about babies born as a result of IVF not being related to one or […]

What is EtPa alcohol testing?

What is EtPa alcohol testing? How accurate is it compared to other alcohol testing methods? We answer these questions in our latest expert guide… What is EtPa alcohol testing? Head hair alcohol testing works by looking at two markers of alcohol: ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and a fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) called ethyl palmitate (EtPa). […]

How long can a PEth test detect alcohol?

How long can a phosphatidylethanol (PEth) test detect alcohol? Well, drinking experiments have shown that PEth can be detected in blood after 1–2 hours following a single drinking episode. This PEth detection can also last for up to 12 days. Because PEth is a direct biomarker of alcohol, it is the most accurate blood test […]

Could random drug tests tackle Galway’s cocaine problem?

The Joint Policing Committee (JPC)’s Crime Prevention and Personal Safety subcommittee has recommended that Galway County Council and local gardaí examine the possibility of introducing random drug tests in schools. The suggestion was made after hearing evidence from a Health Service Executive (HSE) clinical specialist in addiction. Joe Treacy described the drug problem in Galway […]